Worst things about James Island nobody talks about
Hey, My partner and I are With a population of 11,738, James Island is a small town. The unemployment rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
15 upvotes
9 Replies
Aria G.
I'm a electrician and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Hunter S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Hazel Rogers
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Eastside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Everett S.
following this thread
18 upvotes
Eli Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
16 upvotes
Matthew White
lol so true
16 upvotes
Arianna Rogers
honestly same experience here
14 upvotes
Savannah Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Michael G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
All Countries
